News Details

Port Aids in Care for Mutilated Pelican

Contributes $5,000 to Bird Rescue Center

May 2, 2014

The Port of Long Beach will donate $5,000 for the surgical and rehabilitative care of a California brown pelican found recently on the shoreline in Long Beach with a slashed pouch, a wound thought to be caused by someone with a knife or other sharp object.

Nicknamed “Pink,” the bird was found April 16 on the beach in the 5400 block of East Ocean Boulevard by Long Beach Animal Care Services. Under the care of International Bird Rescue’s Los Angeles center in San Pedro, Pink has undergone multiple surgeries.

Part of the Port of Long Beach’s Green Port Policy is to protect, maintain or restore aquatic ecosystems and marine habitats. The Port has taken opportunities in the past to assist wildlife, for example by funding regular biological surveys of the harbor and for habitat improvement as with the Bolsa Chica Wetlands restoration project.

“The Port of Long Beach has made great strides in recent years in improving the harbor environment both for people and wildlife, and we’re happy to be able to support the rehabilitation of Pink the Pelican,” said Al Moro, Acting Executive Director of the Port of Long Beach. “We’re looking forward to seeing Pink back in the skies over the harbor very soon.”

A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the attack on bird, which is a protected species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is seeking information on this federal crime, which is punishable by a fine of up to $15,000 and a jail sentence of up to six months. Anyone with information that might lead to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the mutilation of this bird should contact USFWS at (310) 328-1516. Tips may be given anonymously.